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The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

(2009, Fiction - Historical Fiction, Written by Rodman Philbrick)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Civil War tall tale packs realistic punch.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 9–10

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    In battle many are killed and injured, some have to have limbs cut off with a saw. Men kick a boy, a man hits another in the head with a baseball bat, a man is badly beaten.

  • Sex:

    Women dance in their underwear for an audience of men.

  • Language:

    African-Americans are referred to as "darky."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adults drink, get drunk, and chew tobacco. Children smoke pipes.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

Parents need to know that the story culminates with a lengthy and realistic portrait of the horrors of war -- in particular, the Battle of Gettysburg, including horrible injuries, amputations by saw, and many deaths.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about lying. Why does Homer lie so often? Are his lies justified? Is it ever OK to lie? When? How do you know?
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